DALLAS, Tex. – Volvo Trucks North America has introduced a new heavy transport daycab – the Volvo VT 800.

Like its long-haul brother, the Volvo VT 880, the VT 800 daycab comes standard with the Volvo D16, with up to 625 hp and 2250 lb-ft of torque.

Company officials said the Volvo VT 800 brings the VT’s muscular design and intense visual appeal to a premium daycab. Owner/operators in this segment want a blend of big-block diesel power and performance that will stand up to demanding duty cycles and conditions, they said. Typical applications for the Volvo VT 800 are heavy haul flatbed or lowboy, bulk haul, grain body, livestock hauler, tanker, and double- and triple-trailer combinations.

“This is a truck that has it all – power, performance, great looks and unmatched driver comfort,” said Scott Kress, senior vice-president, sales and marketing. The Volvo VT 800 continues the appearance of the VT series:

* A long and strong-looking hood, with the visibility found in all Volvo trucks.

* A large chromed grille in front of a radiator and cooling package able to meet current and future cooling needs required by stringent emissions standards.

* A smooth, stable ride and a powerful stance, provided by the set forward front axle in Volvo’s “comfort position.”

* The long BBC for a smooth ride and exciting look; the cab was moved back eight inches, which isolates the driver from the engine.

Gleaming exterior details and components give the Volvo VT 800 the distinctive look demanded by owner/operators, said company officials. But, as with the Volvo VT 880, these components also reflect Volvo’s modern interpretation of traditional styling, they added. Styling features include: a polished steel front bumper, with aerodynamic features for improved airflow for less drag and better cooling; a large chromed grille; polished or bright aluminum fuel tanks; outboard exhaust stacks; and polished aluminum step panels. Company officials said the steps remove easily for access to batteries and a toolbox.

Performance is enhanced by a 45-degree wheel cut, for a tight turning radius and maneuverability, they added. Driver visibility is excellent due to the sloping hood, the driver seating position and the huge one-piece windshield. Projection beam headlights also improve nighttime visibility on the right side of the truck.

The Volvo VT 800’s driver ergonomics play a key role in performance, by placing controls and instruments within easy reach and clear sight lines, company officials said. The air-ride cab, ergonomic seating, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, high-performance climate control system and cab noise insulation keep the driver at peak performance levels and minimize distractions. And double-sealed doors keep out dirt, dust, water and noise in challenging job sites, they added.

Performance

The Volvo D16 diesel engine is standard for the Volvo VT 800, and is available in ratings from 500 to 625 hp, with torque from 1850 to 2250 lb-ft.

The Volvo D16 has the Volvo Intelligent Torque (I-Torque) torque management system. Volvo’s I-Torque technology controls the amount of engine torque delivered to the driveline in any gear.

This lets Volvo specify an optimized rear axle and suspension combination, so it is possible to specify a lighter rear axle and suspension than would otherwise be required. The Cummins ISX engine is optional.

Safety

As for safety, the VT 800 is constructed of robotically-welded high-strength steel (HSS) and the cab meets all the requirements of the Swedish Impact Test, the most demanding cab strength test in the world, according to company officials.

Cab doors stay closed during collisions, but open afterward. Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology is standard, to help maintain control of the truck in slippery conditions and to help prevent rollovers.

An air bag for the driver is standard, as is an energy-absorbing steering column.

The engine and transmission are designed to drop under the cab during frontal impacts, to prevent intrusion into the cab.

Volvo VT 800 spec’s:

* Daycab

* BBC: 134 inches

* Front Axle Position: 43.1″

* Engines: Volvo D16, 500 hp @ 1850 lb-ft I-Torque, 550 hp @ 1850 lb-ft I-Torque, 600 hp @ 2050 lb-ft I-Torque, or 625 hp @ 2250 lb-ft I-Torque. Cummins ISX 475 hp @ 1850 lb-ft, 500 hp @ 1850 lb-ft, 530 hp @ 1850 lb-ft., 565 hp @ 1850 lb-ft.

* Transmission:Eaton RTO, RTLO, 10, 13, 18 speeds; Eaton Autoshift 10 and 18 speeds.

* Front Axle: 12,000 – 13,200 pound, spring suspension.

* Rear Axle: 40,000 – 46,000 Meritor, Amboid.

* Rear Suspension: 38,000 – 40,000 pound Volvo Air Suspension, 40,000 – 46,000 pound Volvo non-torque reactive suspension.